Appleton West High School Alumni

Appleton, Wisconsin (WI)

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Harold Vernon Froehlich

Former Chief Judge of the Wisconsin Circuit Court, 66th Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Vice Chair of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, U.S. Congressman, and member of the House Judiciary Committee.

What is Harold Vernon Froehlich known for?

Harold Vernon Froehlich, source, born on May 12, 1932, in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a renowned figure in both the fields of judiciary and politics. He is a proud alumnus of Appleton West High School, source.

In the course of his significant career, Froehlich made an impressive mark as he held various eminent positions. He served as the Chief Judge of the 8th District of Wisconsin Circuit Courts from August 1, 1988, until July 31, 1994. He then held the esteemed position of Judge for the Outagamie Circuit, Branch 4 from August 14, 1981, to April 8, 2011.

Froehlich also had a prosperous career as a legislator. He served the U.S. House of Representatives as a representative from Wisconsin's 8th district from January 3, 1973, to January 3, 1975. Froehlich's feats did not end there, he was also the 66th Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly from January 11, 1967, to January 4, 1971. Furthermore, he served as the Minority Leader of the Wisconsin Assembly from January 4, 1971, to January 3, 1973.

He made history when he broke away from his party, the Republicans, to vote for the impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon during his term as a U.S. Congressman. After leaving Congress, Froehlich served for thirty years as a Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge in Outagamie County. Earlier in his career, he had spent ten years in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was the 66th Speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly. His final public office was on the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, where he served until its dissolution in 2015.

Before his contributions to the public sector, Froehlich served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, post his graduation from Appleton Senior High School in 1950. Adding to his extensive list of achievements, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1959, and then received his law degree in 1962.

Besides his notable political and judicial career, Froehlich is also a certified public accountant and real estate broker. He served as a former treasurer for the Black Creek Improvement Corp, and former president of 322 Investment, Ltd.

His unwavering contribution to public service, spanning across multiple domains, extends from his achievements as a legislator and judge to his established career as a certified public accountant and real estate broker. He has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire many, especially the future generations of Appleton West High School.